Trailer, labeling system, control system, and program for field implementation of computerized hole selection for layflat irrigation pipe

ABSTRACT

A system for installing and labeling lay flat irrigation pipe in flooded rice and furrow irrigated fields, and a trailer for laying a roll of pipe in an irrigated field. The trailer includes a flexible hitch assembly positioned at a first end of the trailer, wherein the hitch assembly couples the trailer to a vehicle. The trailer also includes a distribution assembly positioned at a second end of the trailer, wherein the distribution assembly includes a spindle and wherein the distribution assembly couples the roll of pipe to the trailer; and a gooseneck frame including a first end coupled to the hitch assembly and a second end coupled to the distribution assembly, with an upper member between the first end and the second end of the gooseneck, wherein the upper member of the gooseneck is elevated relative to the hitch assembly. The trailer may also include offset tandem wheels with a furrow assembly to facilitate the creation of a furrow ditch and for traversing flood irrigated levees for the purposes of installing lay-flat polyethylene pipe for irrigation. The trailer may also include an adjustable telescoping hitch to adjust to various vehicle hitch heights. The system includes a labeling system for indicating the punch size needed along the pipeline during installation. A computerized hole selection plan is developed and transferred to a microprocessor device, where sensors or a global positioning system is co-locate the device so the punch label can be applied along the pipe during installation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.15/628,356, filed on Jun. 20, 2017, and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent application No. 62/352,418, filed on Jun. 20, 2016,the contents of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a trailer for a vehicle that deploysand labels lay-flat pipe. In particular, the trailer lays polyethylene(PE) lay-flat pipe for multiple inlet rice irrigation (MIRI) or furrowirrigation. For rice field applications, the system includes a trailerconfigured to be towed by an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or all-terrainutility vehicle (ATU). For furrow irrigation applications, the trailercan also be used or the labeling system can be attached to a tractormounted pipe installation toolbar. The invention prints or labels thecomputerized hole selection (CHS) plan on the pipe as it is installed inthe field, so the user can punch the appropriate hole size along thepipe during pipe fill to maximize irrigation efficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

MIRI involves the use of lay-flat PE pipe to distribute irrigation wateracross levees in contoured and precision-graded rice fields. MIRIrequires laying at least one row of PE lay-flat pipe perpendicular toand over levees of the rice field in order to disperse water between thelevees to flood each rice paddy. MIRI can reduce water use by 25% insome studies and has increase yields in others.

CHS is the use of a computer program to design the appropriate numberand size of holes to punch in lay flat irrigation pipe. In lay flatpipe, very low pressure (less than 1 meter of pressure) is used and thepipe is very large so that negligible friction loss is experienced. ACHS plan accounts for pipe crown elevation data, flow rate, furrowspacing, and furrow row length. A computer program is used to iteratethe proper hole size along the pipe so that water is distributed evenlyacross the field. This process is used for both furrow irrigation andMIRI. In furrow irrigation, a small hole punch device with sizes rangingfrom one quarter inch to one inch, with hole sizes for every 1/16″ areused to create the holes in the pipe. Typically, holes are punched inevery furrow, typically every 30 to 60 inches. CHS designs can have onehole or up to 10 hole sizes with highly variable spacing across thelength of the pipeline. Currently irrigators punch holes based onexperience or guess, and this results in more water being applied tosome furrows than is needed and reduces the irrigation efficiency. Theuse of CHS can reduce furrow irrigation application volumes by 20-50%.

There are two types of multiple inlet irrigation: side inlet andmultiple inlet. In the multiple inlet type, the pipe is placed in themiddle of the field, and a trench must be created to facilitatedeploying the pipe. The trench is necessary to ensure the pipe does notroll and it stays in place. In the side inlet type, the formation of thelevee creates a furrow or ditch for the pipe to lay in. In side inlet,as the term suggests, the pipe is placed at the side of the field orlevee.

Traditional methods of laying PE pipe for MIRI involves large tractors,other heavy machinery, or laying the pipe by hand. However, the largetires and heavy weight of the tractors and heavy machinery can damagerice paddy levees as they travel across the field. The damage to thelevees can be difficult and time-consuming to fix. Furthermore, tractorsand heavy machinery generally travel much slower than ATVs and otherATUs and can therefore take a significant amount of time to travelbetween rice fields to lay pipe at separate locations. Laying pipe byhand can also be very time consuming and difficult due to the weight ofthe rolls of PE pipe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The trailers described herein allow for pipe to be deployed by an ATV orATU or other small low ground pressure vehicle for MIRI. They are ableto traverse levees and fields minimizing damage to the levees whilecarrying the heavy rolls of pipe. This reduces maintenance needs duringthe season for repairing levees as damage to the levees is a majorcomplaint among farmers with MIRI. Another advantage is that thetrailers save labor and time as deployment of the pipe is faster thanwith a tractor. One of the trailers includes an apparatus to install asmall furrow to keep the pipe in place. The trailers are lightweight andmuch smaller than a tractor mounted device and can be transported in thebed of a pickup or trailer which the ATV and pipe rolls are also movedwith between fields.

Currently, MIRI only represents about 25% of rice irrigation, but manybarriers to adoption exist. It is generally recognized that MIRI canreduce water use by 25%, and as water policies are developed andproducers become more aware of water use, more producers may adopt MIRIthat have not done so in the past because of potential regulation. Thesetrailers may help promote the implementation of MIRI for farmers that donot feel they have the time currently to implement MIRI.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a trailer for laying a roll ofpipe in a field. The trailer includes a hitch assembly, a distributionassembly, and a gooseneck frame. The hitch assembly is positioned at afirst end of the trailer, wherein the hitch assembly couples the trailerto a vehicle. The distribution assembly is connected to a second end ofthe trailer, wherein the distribution assembly includes a spindle tosupport the roll of pipe. The gooseneck frame includes a first endconnected to the hitch assembly and a second end connected to thedistribution assembly, a member between the first end of the gooseneckframe and the second end of the gooseneck frame, and wherein the memberis elevated relative to the hitch assembly.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a trailer for laying aroll of pipe in a field. The trailer comprises a first member includinga first end and a second end, a second member connected to the secondend of the first member and oriented at an angle of about 135 degreesrelative to the first member, and a third member connected to the secondmember and oriented at an angle of about 135 degrees relative to thesecond member. The trailer also comprises a cross bar connected to thethird member and oriented perpendicular to the third member, a firstaxle coupled to the cross bar, the first axle supporting a pair ofwheels, a hitch assembly coupled to the first end of the first member,the hitch assembly coupleable to a vehicle, and a first arm and a secondarm coupled to the cross bar and extending upward from the cross bar,the first arm and the second arm configured to support a spindlesupporting a roll of pipe.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a printed punch plansystem. The system comprises an electronic processor configured toreceive a computerized hole selection plan, a printer, and a globalpositioning system coupled to the printer to locate the printer relativeto a field, the printer in communication with the electronic processorand configured to receive instructions for printing information on layflat pipe based on the computerized hole selection plan and where theprinter is located.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle towing a trailer according toa first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trailer of FIG. 1 detached from thevehicle.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a pin used with the trailer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a spindle used with the trailer of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hitch assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a trailer connected to a vehicle.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vehicle towing a trailer according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a trailer including a furrow assembly.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the trailer illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is side view of the trailer illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the trailer illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the trailer of FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a trailer according to another embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the trailer illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a furrow assembly of the trailer illustratedin FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the furrow assembly illustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a furrow assembly of the trailer illustratedin FIG. 12

FIG. 17 is a partial rear view of the trailer illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a printed punch plan system.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are perspective views of a printer coupled to acommercial toolbar.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a trailer according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a partial view of the trailer of FIG. 21, illustrating anelectronics housing.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view inside the electronics housing.

FIGS. 24-28 are perspective views of a printer of the trailer of FIG.21.

FIGS. 29 and 30 are perspective view of a hitch of the trailer of FIG.21.

FIGS. 31-33 are perspective views of a furrow assembly of the trailer ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a spindle and pin of the trailer ofFIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the followingdrawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or of being carried out in various ways.

Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology usedherein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting. The use of “including,” “comprising” or “having” andvariations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listedthereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Theterms “mounted,” “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly andencompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling.Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical ormechanical connections or couplings, and can include electricalconnections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Also, electroniccommunications and notifications may be performed using any known meansincluding direct connections, wireless connections, etc.

It should also be noted that a plurality of hardware and software baseddevices, as well as a plurality of different structural components maybe utilized to implement the invention. In addition, it should beunderstood that embodiments of the invention may include hardware,software, and electronic components or modules that, for purposes ofdiscussion, may be illustrated and described as if the majority of thecomponents were implemented solely in hardware. However, one of ordinaryskill in the art, and based on a reading of this detailed description,would recognize that, in at least one embodiment, the electronic basedaspects of the invention may be implemented in software (e.g., stored onnon-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or moreelectronic processors. As such, it should be noted that a plurality ofhardware and software based devices, as well as a plurality of differentstructural components may be utilized to implement the invention. Forexample, “controller” and “control unit” described in the specificationcan include one or more electronic processors, one or more memorymodules including non-transitory computer-readable medium, one or moreinput/output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus)connecting the components.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a trailer 10 for deploying lay-flat pipeaccording to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates avehicle 12 traversing a rice field while pulling the trailer 10. Thetrailer 10 is configured to lay a roll of pipe 16, for example flexiblepolyethylene (PE) pipe 16. Pipe material such as this is provided inrolls which are laid in fields; when the pipe is filled with water itexpands and water is distributed through numerous holes in the sidewalls of the pipe. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 12 is anall-terrain vehicle (ATV). In other embodiments, the vehicle 12 may bean all-terrain utility vehicle (ATU).

Laying a roll of polyethylene pipe for MIRI is described herein as anexemplary use for the various embodiments of the pipe-laying trailer 10.

FIG. 2 illustrates the trailer 10 of FIG. 1 disconnected from thevehicle 12. The trailer 10 includes a generally Y-shaped frame 18 and aspindle 20 that is rotatably coupleable to the frame 18. The frame 18has a first end 22 with a hitch assembly 24 that is configured to beattached to a hitch 14 of the vehicle 12. The frame 18 also has a secondend 26 that is generally U-shaped to couple the spindle 20 to the frame18. Two support brackets 28 are disposed adjacent a connection point 30between the first end 22 and the second end 26. In particular, a firstmember 32, having a longitudinal axis defines a first axis A, and across member 34 are joined to define the connection point 30.

In various embodiments, the trailer 10 is attached to the vehicle 12 ina manner which permits the trailer 10 to move relative to the vehicle12, for example to pivot, rotate, etc. This freedom of movement may beachieved using a single element such as the ball hitch 14 on the vehicle12 with a suitable attachment on the trailer 10, or using a series ofindividual elements, each of which confers a particular degree offreedom of movement, as described herein. In general, the hitchconnection point between the hitch 14 and the hitch assembly 24 isconfigured so that it allows the hitch 14 to move in an up and downmotion as the levees are oriented at an aggressive angle of about 70degrees relative to a generally horizontal plane defined by the field atthe bottom and apex of a levee, therefore the full range of motion isabout 140 degrees.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the hitch assembly 24includes a main support 36 with two extensions 38 and avertically-oriented round pipe 40 whose longitudinal axis defines asecond axis B. The round pipe 40 extends between the two extensions 38and may be welded at each end to the two extensions 38. In otherembodiments, the round pipe 40 may be fixed to the extensions 38 inother ways. In yet other embodiments, the round pipe 40 may be removablycoupled to the trailer 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The hitch assembly24, and more particularly, the round pipe 40 is configured to hold aU-shaped hitch 14 of the vehicle 12, so that the trailer 10 can freelyrotate about the second axis B. Furthermore, because the connectionbetween the U-shaped hitch 14 and the round pipe 40 is not fixed,movement, besides rotational movement, between the hitch assembly 24 andthe hitch 14 of the vehicle 12 may be possible.

FIG. 2 illustrates that the hitch assembly 24 may be attached to thefirst member 32 of the trailer 10 through a hinge joint 42. The hingejoint 42 is spaced from the vertically oriented round pipe 40 by adistance along the first axis A. The rotational axis of the joint 42defines a third axis C. The joint 42 allows for the second end 26 of thetrailer 10 to rotate about the third axis C (e.g., vertical movement inrelation to the vehicle 12). The vertical movement of the second end 26allows the trailer 10 to more easily traverse over levees and barditches of the rice field, as described in greater detail below.Accordingly, the second end 26 of the trailer 10 is capable ofsubstantial rotation about the second axis B and the third axis C. Ingeneral, the hitch assembly 24 is configured so that it allows thetrailer 10 to pivot side-to-side (e.g., about the second axis B), pivotup-and-down (e.g., about the third axis C), and to allow for lateralmovement (e.g., along the first axis A and directions parallel to thesecond and third axes B, C) in relation to the vehicle 12.

In other embodiments, the hitch assembly 24 may not include a mainsupport 36. In particular, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG.2, the extensions 38 are much longer than those described above and matedirectly at the joint 42 with the first member 32.

In other embodiments, the hitch assembly 24 may be a ball hitch receiverfor coupling to a vehicle 12 with a ball hitch 14, as is known in theart. In yet other embodiments, the coupling between the vehicle 12 andthe trailer 10 may be another method as is known in the art.

FIG. 2 illustrates the U-shape of the second end 26 of the trailer frame18. The second end 26 of the trailer 10 includes the cross member 34 andtwo parallel members 44. The parallel members 44 are positioned atopposite ends of the cross member 34 so that the parallel members 44 arespaced from each other in a direction parallel with the third axis C.The first member 32 is fixed to the cross member 34 at a near midpointof the cross member 34 so that longitudinal axes of the parallel members44 are spaced from the first axis A an equal distance. The parallelmembers 44 each have an opening 46 aligned in a direction parallel withthe third axis C so that the spindle 20 may be coupled to the frame 18,as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment of the spindle 20. The spindle 20includes a channel 48 extending there through at a first end 50 and aplate 52 near a second end 54. FIG. 2 illustrates that the spindle 20 isinserted through the openings 46 of the parallel members 44 to couplethe spindle 20 to the frame 18. The openings 46 are spaced at least acertain distance from the cross member 34 so that the roll of pipe 16can fit into the trailer 10 when fully assembled. The plate 52 preventsthe spindle 20 from extending too far into the frame 18 in a directionthat is parallel to the third axis C. After the spindle 20 has beeninserted through both the openings 46 of the parallel members 44, a pin56 (FIG. 3A) may be inserted into the channel 48 to prevent the spindle20 from extending too far into the frame 18 in a direction opposite thedirection prevented by the plate 52. The spindle 20 is configured to actas an axle of the trailer 10, while the roll of pipe 16 is being laidalong the rice field. The roll of pipe 16 includes a channel 58, as canbe seen in FIG. 2, through which the spindle 20 is placed. The roll ofpipe 16 is therefore rotatably coupled to the trailer 10 through itsassembly with the spindle 20.

FIG. 1 shows the vehicle 12 and the trailer 10 in operation travelingover a levee while laying a roll of pipe 16. As the vehicle 12 travelsover the levee and down into bar ditches on either side of the levee,the roll of pipe 16 maintains substantial contact with the rice fieldbecause the trailer 10 includes the hinge joint 42 and is pivotableabout the third axis C. Similarly, after the vehicle 12 has passed overthe levee, the roll of pipe 16 maintains substantial contact with thelevee by pivoting in a direction opposite that described above about thepivot axis C. However, because of the pivoting action of the trailer 10and the light weight of the vehicle 12, there is minimal, if any, damageto the levee after the vehicle 12 and the trailer 10 have passed overit. Furthermore, because of the relationship between the U-shaped hitch14 and the hitch assembly 24, the rough terrain of the rice field ismore than negotiable by the vehicle 12 and the trailer 10.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a vehicle 112 traversing a rice field with apipe-laying trailer 110 according to another embodiment of theinvention. Similar to the first embodiment, the trailer 110 isconfigured to deploy a roll of lay-flat pipe 116 and the vehicle 112 maybe a vehicle such as an ATV or an ATU.

FIG. 8 illustrates the trailer 110 disconnected from the vehicle 112.Similar to the trailer 10 of the first embodiment, the trailer 110includes a first end 118 with a hitch assembly 120. The trailer 110 alsoincludes a gooseneck frame 122, a distribution assembly 124 that iscoupled to the gooseneck frame 122 at a second end 126 of the trailer110, and a pair of low-pressure wheels 128 also at the second end 126.

The hitch assembly 120 of the trailer 110 may be the same as the hitchassembly 24 described above for the trailer 10 and therefore will not bedescribed again herein.

FIGS. 5-11 illustrate the gooseneck frame 122 of the trailer 110. Ingeneral, the gooseneck frame 122 is configured to couple the hitchassembly 120 to the distribution assembly 124 in a manner that providesan elevated clearance to facilitate pulling the trailer over leveeswithout damaging them. The gooseneck frame 122 includes a first member130 having a first end 132 that is coupled to two extensions 136 of thehitch assembly 120 at a joint 138 as similarly described above andillustrated in FIG. 4. With reference to FIG. 8, the first member 130includes a longitudinal axis that defines a lower axis D. A second end134 of the first member 130 is attached to a first end 142 of a firstangled member 140 that extends from the first member 130 such that alongitudinal axis of the first angled member 140 and the lower axis Ddefine a first angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle isapproximately 135 degrees. A first end 148 of an upper member 146extends from a second end 144 of the first angled member 140 in adirection parallel to the lower axis D. The upper member 146 includes alongitudinal axis that defines an upper axis E, and therefore the upperaxis E is parallel to the lower axis D. As illustrated in FIG. 9, theupper and lower axes E, D are spaced a distance along a sixth (e.g.,vertical) axis F such that the upper member 146 is spaced from the firstmember 130 along the sixth axis F to provide clearance for the trailer110 as it travels across the field (e.g. a rice field), as described infurther detail below. A first end 154 of a second angled member 152extends from a second end 150 of the upper member 146, such that alongitudinal axis of the second angled member 152 and the upper axis Edefine a second angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the second angleis also approximately 135 degrees. The second angled member 152 extendsfrom the upper member 146 in a direction partially along a directionparallel to the sixth axis F (i.e., toward the lower axis D). In theillustrated embodiment, the first angled member 140 and the secondangled member 152 are the same length. Therefore, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, the lower axis D extends through a second end 156 of thesecond angled member 152. In particular, the second angled member 152extends to an axle housing 168 of the trailer 110. As illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, the gooseneck frame 122 further includes angled supportbrackets 158, 160 that extend from the upper member 146 to the axlehousing 168. The gooseneck frame 122 may further include a firstsupporting member 162 and a second supporting member 164. The firstsupport member 162 extends between the upper member 146 and the firstangled member 140, while the second support member 164 extends betweenthe upper member 146 and the second angled member 152.

The length and height of the gooseneck frame 122 are designed toaccommodate the contour of a typical rice field levee to prevent theframe 122 from damaging any levees of the rice field. Specifically, thedistance between the upper axis E and the lower axis D is at least thesame as the difference in height between a planting level of the ricefield and the peak of the rice field levee. In one construction, thedistance between the upper axis E and the lower axis D is greater thanthe height difference between the peak of the levee and the plantinglevel of the rice field. The length of the upper member 146 allows forthe gooseneck frame 122 to extend entirely over the levee. In otherwords, the length of the upper member 146 prevents the trailer 110 fromsubstantially contacting and damaging a levee because rear wheels of thevehicle 112 may be in one planting portion of the rice field, on a firstside of the levee, and the low-pressure wheels 128 of the trailer 110may be in another planting portion of the rice field, on a second sideof the levee.

The trailer 110 further includes an axle 166 extending between the pairof low-pressure wheels 128. A longitudinal axis of the axle 166 definesan axle axis G, whereby the axle axis G intersects with and extendsperpendicular to the lower axis D. The trailer 110 also includes an axlehousing 168, mentioned above, with a channel 170 extending therethroughfor the axle 166. The axle housing 168 also includes at least three flatplates 172 on an upper side 174 of the housing 168. The flat plates 172provide welding platforms for the second angled member 152 and thedistribution assembly 124, as described in greater detail below. Twoother flat plates 172 may be provided on the upper side 174, or anotherside of the housing 168, for welding the first supporting member 162 andthe second supporting member 164 to the axle housing 168. In otherembodiments, the axle housing 168 may include at least one flat surfacethat extends the entire length of the axle housing 168.

Illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, the distribution assembly 124 of thetrailer 110 includes a spindle 176 and two support posts 178 configuredto support the spindle 176. The spindle 176 may be similar to thespindle 20 described above, and therefore will not be described indetail herein. The two support posts 178 extend from the axle housing168, from respective first ends 180 of the support posts 178, in adirection that is parallel to the sixth axis F. The support posts 178are also spaced from each other in a direction that is parallel to theaxle axis G and are welded to the other two flat plates 172 on the axlehousing 168. In the illustrated embodiment, respective second ends 182of the support posts 178 project beyond the upper axis E, as illustratedin FIGS. 9 and 11, to provide an elevated mount for the spindle 176. Thesecond ends 182 of the support posts include recesses 184, asillustrated in FIG. 9, to provide the spindle mount. In the illustratedembodiment, gravity maintains the spindle 176 and the roll of pipe 116in the recesses 184. In other embodiments, other locking means may ormay not be used to keep the spindle 176 and roll 116 in place. As such,the spindle 176 and therefore the roll of PE pipe 116, is positioneddirectly above the axle axis G. In other embodiments, the second ends182 of the support posts 178 may include openings (not illustrated),similar to the openings 46 of the two parallel members 44 describedabove, to provide a mount for the spindle 176.

FIG. 6 shows the vehicle 112 and the trailer 110 in operation travelingover a levee while laying a roll of PE pipe 116. As similarly describedabove for the operation of the trailer 10, the trailer 110 is pivotableabout the joint 138 (FIG. 4). As such, the trailer 110 and the vehicle112 do not need to be on flat ground to work properly. Accordingly, asthe vehicle 12 travels over a levee of the rice field and down into barditches, the pipe 116 is continuously laid from the distributionassembly 124 onto the field.

Just after the vehicle 112 has traveled over the levee, only certainparts of the trailer 110 will be over the levee. Specifically, the firstmember 130 and the first angled member 140 will have traveled over thelevee, but the second angled member 152 and therefore, the wheels 128will not have traveled over the levee. As explained above, in thisposition, the trailer 110 spans the levee and does not substantiallycontact the levee. Therefore, the vehicle 112 can continue forward,until the wheels 128 begin to travel up the levee, causing the trailer110 to begin to pivot about the joint 138. After completely traversingthe levee with the trailer 110 and the vehicle 112, the levee willremain substantially unchanged due to the light weight of the vehicle112 and because the trailer 110 minimally (if at all) contacts thelevee. As stated above, because of the pivoting action of the trailer110 and the lightweight of the vehicle 12, there is minimal, if any,damage to the levee after the vehicle 112 and the trailer 110 havepassed over it. Furthermore, because of the relationship between theU-shaped hitch 114 and the hitch assembly 120, the rough terrain of therice field is more than negotiable by the vehicle 112 and the trailer110.

FIGS. 7, 12, and 13 illustrate a pipe-laying trailer 210 according toanother embodiment of the invention. The trailer 210 is generally thesame as the trailer 110 of the second embodiment described above.Therefore, equivalent parts of the trailer 210 will be numbered thesame, plus 100, as the trailer 110 and will not be described herein.However, in addition to the general structure of the trailer 110, thetrailer 210 incorporates an optional furrow assembly 300.

Specifically, the furrow assembly 300 of the trailer 210 is configuredto create a furrow in a field to lay the pipe 216 into. In oneconstruction, the furrow assembly 300 utilizes double disks 310 asillustrated in FIGS. 12-15. In another construction, the furrow assembly300 utilizes a shovel 312 as illustrated in FIG. 16. In anotherconstruction, the furrow assembly 300 utilizes a triangular shaped plow.

With reference to FIGS. 12-15, the furrow assembly 300 includes a secondset of wheels 302 with a second axle 304 and a second axle housing 306that is separated from the first axle housing 268 by two linking members308. In the illustrated embodiment, the two linking members 308 arewelded to the first axle housing 268 and are spaced in a directionparallel to the axle axis G. In other embodiments, the two linkingmembers 308 may be welded to the two support posts 278. Furthermore, inother embodiments, the two linking members 308 may be coupled to thefirst axle housing 268 or the two support posts 278 in a removablefashion. Accordingly, if one section of the field needs a furrow for thepipe 216, while another section of the field does not, the furrowassembly 300 can be quickly and easily removed or attached, accordingly.

The tandem axle prevents damage to the levee when crossing it with thedisk or shovel mechanism down. The disk or shovel mechanism rotatesabout an axis so that it can be retracted when not in use. The operatorrotates the disk or shovel down when pipe is being placed. A pin holdsthe disk or shovel up during transport, and when placed in the downposition, the forward movement of the trailer 210 locks the disk orshovel in the down position forcing it to create the furrow as thetrailer 210 is propelled forward.

In the illustrated embodiment, the furrow is formed by two disks 310positioned between the first axle housing 268 and the second axlehousing 306. The disks 310 are coupled to the two linking members 308 bya furrow shaft 312. As illustrated in FIG. 13, a longitudinal axis ofthe furrow shaft 312 lies parallel with the axle axis G and thelongitudinal axis of the second axle 304. The two disks 310 are coupledto the furrow shaft 312 by a vertically adjustable assembly 314 at anapproximate center of the furrow shaft 312. Therefore, the furrowcreated by the two disks 310 is aligned with the pipe 216 so that thepipe 216 can be laid into the furrow. As illustrated more closely inFIGS. 14 and 15, the adjustable assembly 314 includes an outer member316 and an inner member 318 that is disposed within the outer member 316such that longitudinal axes of the outer and inner member 316, 318 areco-aligned. The outer member 316 is fixed to the furrow shaft 312 andincludes an opening (not illustrated) which may be positioned to alignwith openings 320 of the inner member 318. A pin (not illustrated) canbe inserted through the opening of the outer member 316 and into one ofthe openings 320 of the inner member 318 to fix the position of theinner member 318 in relation to the outer member 316. By fixing theposition of the inner member 318, the vertical positon of the discs 310is set. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 320 are spaced fromrespective, adjacent openings 320 in a direction parallel with the sixthaxis F. The lowest opening 320 of the inner member 318 (i.e., thehighest position of the discs 310) allows for the discs 310 to be raisedabove the wheels 228, 302 of the trailer 210. Accordingly, the discs 310do not create a furrow when set at this position.

Operation of the trailer 210 is the same as that of trailer 110 when thediscs 310 are in their highest position. However, when the discs 310have been lowered, a furrow is created in the field when the vehicle 212is traveling over the field.

In another embodiment, the tandem axle has one axle at a slightly higherheight than the trailing axle. This embodiment allows for easy turningof the trailer when attached to the ATV or ATU and increases the weightapplied for the furrow assembly. The second axle then reduces the hitchangle needed as the trailer crosses the bar ditch on a levee because therear axle restrains the front axle or suspends it from the deepestextent of bar ditch. Additionally, when the trailer crosses the leveethe rear axle suspends the front axle from the deepest part of the barditch and then the front axle restrains the rear axle from the deepestpart of the bar ditch. Essentially this tandem axle creates a smoothertransition across the levee with the ATV and trailer resulting in asmoother and less aggressive movement as pipe is placed across thelevee. Additionally, the tandem axle allows for the furrow assembly totraverse the top of the levee minimizing damage to the levee crest asthe assembly only engages the crest of the levee for a short periodwhile the front axle is crossing the levee crest and is lifted above thelevee as the rear axle crests the levee.

Additionally, ATV's and ATU's have different hitch heights, and anotherembodiment includes a telescoping hitch that adjusts to the height ofthe receiver hitch on the vehicle pulling the trailer. Adjustment ismade by removing pins and telescoping the tongue up and down at a 45degree angle to adjust to the desired hitch height. Other angles formovement of the tongue are contemplated, such as, for example, 30degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, and 55 degrees. When thedesired height is reached, the pins are put in place to lock the tonguein place. This feature allows for adjustment for vehicle combinations sothat the gooseneck frame has adequate clearance for different sizedlevees. That is, for a low vehicle hitch elevation and aggressive leveeheights, the trailer hitch can be extended so that the trailer andvehicle combination can traverse the field with no levee damage andmaintain proper rear axle clearance and furrow assembly contact with thesoil.

Arkansas and the mid-south region are primarily furrow and floodirrigated. Currently, agriculture uses 90% of the groundwater resources,and the aquifer withdraws are only about 50% sustainable. There areseveral methods that can be used to improve furrow irrigationefficiency. Flood and furrow irrigated fields in the mid-south uselay-flat pipe to distribute irrigation water across fields and furrows.Historically, rigid, gated pipe was used to distribute water in furrowirrigation, but in the early 1990's a one-time use lay-flat polyethylenepipe was developed and has become the practice in this region. The pipereduces the labor needed to install irrigation supply and distributionpipe and is low in cost. Much of the pipe is recycled after use.

Another major advance that has occurred over the last two decadesrelates to software programs that allow for the proper sizing of holesthat are punched in the pipe. Historically, the pipe was punched byguessing the proper hole size; a task that often resulted in holes thatcreated too much pressure in the pipeline and caused it to burst, or inhole sizes that were too large and resulted in low distributionuniformity across the field.

To address this shortcoming of lay-flat pipe, software programs weredeveloped and referred to as Computerized Hole Selection (CHS). Thefirst program was developed by the federal government called PHAUCET, inthe late 1990s. Then around 2011, Delta Plastics developed a web-basedprogram and began charging on a per acre basis for its use. Thisweb-based program has essentially replaced the public version ofPHAUCET. Delta Plastics made Pipe Planner free to use in 2014. One ofthe inventors also has developed a mobile app for flood irrigationcomputerized hole selection and released it in 2015. PHAUCET and PipePlanner have been developed for furrow irrigation. The mobile app theinventor developed is called Rice Irrigation and it develops lay flatplans for multiple inlet rice irrigation (flood irrigation).

These programs all have similar features in that they provide a written“punch” plan for the irrigator to either punch holes or install and setgates to provide a quantity of water per furrow as a function of rowlength or quantity of water as a function of levee size. Essentiallythese plans use a computational process to design a punch plan topartition water so that it is distributed evenly across the field.

The irrigators working in the field have found that it is difficult toimplement these punch plans. It is difficult to implement the punch planbecause the plans typically call for many different hole sizes andquantities. For example, in furrow irrigation complicated punch plansmay call for anywhere from one to several hundred hole punches of oneparticular size, then change size some place along the pipeline. In somecases the entire pipeline is one hole punch size while in other casesthe punch plan may entail a dozen different hole sizes at many differentand irregular locations along the pipeline. It is very difficult tolocate the hole change locations manually and many irrigators getfrustrated or cannot accurately apply the plan. In the case of MIRI,large holes and gates are used, and each levee will have a differentnumber or gate opening setting. The holes are 2.5 inches in diameter andhave a gate that can be closed to reduce the flow rate through the holeand gate. Rice fields will have between half a dozen to several dozenlevees and it is difficult for the irrigator to keep track of whichlevee they are in and what the punch plan and gate setting is for eachlevee. In a rice field with three dozen levees each levee could have adifferent punch plan and gate setting. Such punch plans are verydifficult for the irrigators to implement correctly. The device places apunch label at set intervals along the pipeline during install so thatthe irrigator can physically punch the proper hole in the pipeline whenfilled with water at a later time.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the invention includes a printed punch plansystem 400 that receives the computerized hole selection plan andconverts it to a digital plan for printing on the lay flat pipe. Theirrigator can then punch the holes as printed on the lay flat pipe.

The end result is that the hole punch plan is then visuallyidentifiable, and the irrigator only needs to punch the plan that isprinted on the irrigation pipe. This reduces time, energy, labor anderror in implementing computerized hole selection plans. CHS is apractice that has been documented by the inventor and others to realizeabout a 20% irrigation water and energy savings in furrow and floodirrigation. Additionally, the visually identifiable punch plan on thepipe saves considerable time and reduces confusion and savesconsiderable labor and effort for the user at a time period of thegrowing season when the workload is extremely high.

The printed punch plan system 400 includes a plurality of electrical andelectronic components that provide power, operational control, andprotection to the components and modules within the system. The system400 includes, among other things, an electronic processor 404 (forexample, an electronic microprocessor, microcontroller, or similardevice), a memory 408 (for example, non-transitory, computer-readablememory), a user interface 412, and a transceiver 416. The system 400 mayalso include additional or alternative components, including additionalelectronic processors and memory, or application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs). The system may also include a wireless communicationmodule that transfers the punch plan data from a mobile-enabled deviceto the electronic processor 404. The system 400 may also include asoftware program stored in the memory 404 and accessed to executeinstructions related to generating punch plans.

The components of the system 400 may be connected in various waysincluding, for example, a local bus. In the exemplary embodiment, theelectronic processor 404 is communicatively coupled to the memory 408and executes instructions stored on the memory 408. The electronicprocessor 404 is configured to retrieve from the memory 408 and execute,among other things, instructions related to the control processes andmethods described below.

The memory 408 stores program instructions and data. The memory 408 mayinclude, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area.The program storage area and the data storage area may includecombinations of different types of memory, such as read-only memory(“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”) (e.g., dynamic RAM [“DRAM”],synchronous DRAM [“SDRAM”], etc.), electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (“EEPROM”), flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, orother suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memorydevices.

The user interface 412 may include multiple input mechanisms includingone or more buttons, dials, or selectable icons displayed on a screen.In some embodiments, the user interface 412 includes a touchscreen thatperforms at least portions of the input and output functionality of thesystem 400. For example, the user interface 412 may be configured toreceive input (for example, input generated as a result of selectionsmade via the touchscreen) and to display or output information andgraphical elements (for example, on the touchscreen display). In someembodiments, the electronic processor 404, executing software stored inmemory 408, generates a graphical user interface that is displayed onthe touchscreen and that includes selectable menus, selectable icons,and blank fields or text entry boxes to receive inputs relating tovarious parameters of the punch plan.

The memory 408 may be communicatively coupled to the transceiver 416 forfurther communication with a user device 428. The transceiver 416outputs data from the memory 408 to a network 424. The transceiver 416may have both a wired (e.g., a USB connection) and a wireless connection(e.g., a transmitter) for communication with the network 424. The system400 is configured to connect to and communicate through the transceiver416 to the network 424. In some embodiments, the network 424 may be, forexample, a wide area network (“WAN”) (e.g., a TCP/IP based network, acellular network, such as, for example, a Global System for MobileCommunications [“GSM”] network, a General Packet Radio Service [“GPRS”]network, a Code Division Multiple Access [“CDMA”] network, anEvolution-Data Optimized [“EV-DO”] network, an Enhanced Data Rates forGSM Evolution [“EDGE”] network, a 3GSM network, a 4GSM network, aDigital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications [“DECT”] network, a DigitalAMPS [“IS-136/TDMA”] network, or an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network[“iDEN”] network, etc.).

The user device 428 may be a handheld device, such as a mobiletelephone, a mobile two-way radio, a smart watch, and the likeconfigured to communicate over the network 424. For example, in someembodiments, the user device 428 may be a handheld cellular telephonecarried by an irrigator in the field. Alternatively, the user device 428may be a computing device, such as a personal computer, a laptopcomputer, a tablet computer, and the like. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that the user device 428 may be any type of electronic devicecapable of communicating over the network 424. The user device 428 mayinclude a mobile app or other internet databases, or internet of thingsdevices, to which the system 400 communicates to implement the punchplan in real-time. The mobile app that has been developed for riceirrigation multiple inlet rice irrigation is called rice water and isusable with this invention. In the mobile app, the user develops acomputerized hole punch plan for levee rice (flood irrigation). The usercan upload the CHS plan to the system 400 either directly or via thenetwork 424. A special computer file format has been developed toconvert from the app to an application punch plan for the system 400. Insome embodiments, the mobile app may include a visual map (e.g., viaGoogle Maps™) that includes levees or zones that are marked out over themap (e.g., four levees or zones). A circle or other identifying featuremay indicate the location of the trailer within the levees or zones.When the trailer passes from one levee or zone to the next the printer436 may then print the hole size needed in the lay-flat pipe.

The system 400 may also include a tilt switch or global positioningsystem 432. The GPS system 432 provides location data to the electronicprocessor 404. The location data can include GPS coordinates (e.g.,latitude and longitude coordinates), a speed, a heading, and a time. Insome embodiments, the GPS system 432 updates the location data at apredetermined frequency (e.g., approximately once per second). The GPSsystem 432 remains active when the system 400 is in motion (e.g., thetrailer 10, 110, 210 is moving).

The transceiver 416 enables wired or wireless communication from thesystem 400 to, for example, a printer 436, or the user device 428, viathe network 424. In other embodiments, rather than the transceiver 416,the system 400 may include separate transmitting and receivingcomponents, for example, a transmitter, and a receiver. In yet otherembodiments, the system 400 may not include a transceiver 416 and maycommunicate with user device 428 and the printer 436 via a wiredconnection to the network 424.

The printer 436 is carried by the trailer (10, 110, 210) or the vehicleand receives instructions from the system 400 (e.g., memory 408) tolabel or print the punch plan on the poly pipe as it is installed in thefield.

The printer 436 is comprised of two rollers that support the pipe sothat an ink jet printer module that is mounted between the rollers canink the punch plat at that location onto the pipe. The printer uses asolvent ink that etches into the PE pipe. As the roll of irrigation pipeunrolls as it is being laid across the field, the pipe is fed betweenthe two rollers which support it for the printer. The support mechanismprovides support for the rollers, the pipe and the printer. The printersupport can accommodate pipe up to 22 inches in diameter or 30 inches inwidth. One roller is on top where the pipe enters the frame andtraverses where a print head then prints on the pipe before exiting theframe and another roller. The rollers keep tension, alignment, andprovide the proper distance and position for the print head to “jet”solvent ink to the polyethylene pipe. The support mechanism providesadjustment to accommodate the angle of the pipe as it leaves the traileror toolbar. For example, the support mechanism may include a 20 degreeangle adjustment on the printer support that allows the printer toswivel to accommodate the roll. The support mechanism may also includean adjustment to raise and lower the printer from the pipe as theclearance between the printer and pipe is important to get a clearlabel. In MIRI, the printer and support are mounted on the trailer, andfor furrow irrigation, the printer can be mounted on the toolbar.

The printer 436 is controlled by the system 400. The system 400 may beincorporated into the printer 436 or may be a separate device withelectronic communication (e.g., wired or wireless) to the printer. Theelectronic processor 404 receives a hole punch plan from a user deviceor server via the network 424 and stores the plan in memory 408 (e.g.,as a computer file text file). The system 400 may include a USB port orother media reader to receive a digital media card with a hole punchplan stored thereon. The memory 408 may store a plurality of punchplans.

In one embodiment, the printer 436 is a series of inked rollers that areextended by a series of solenoids, actuators, or stepper motors to pressa roller with the hole punch size on the pipe controlled by the system400.

In one embodiment, the user accesses the user interface 412 to identifythe appropriate punch plan for the particular field. The user may alsoenter information through the user interface 412 such as the startlocation of the punch plan (at the riser or well). Alternatively, theGPS 432 automatically identifies the appropriate punch plan based onlocation. The user interface 412 can be used to visually see the punchplan on a display as the system 400 traverses through the field on thetrailer (e.g., 10, 110, 210). This option also allows for reversing thepunch plan if the user would like to label the pipe from the end of thepipe to the start of the pipe. The user may also change the frequency ofthe label being printed to the pipe (e.g., every 5 feet or 10 feet,etc.). The user interface 412 may also include a pause or a start andstop command.

The electronic processor 404 may use a rotary encoder or the GPS 432 todetermine the travel distance and speed in which to print the punch planon the pipe. A rotary encoder and tilt sensor may be used to identifythe hole selection label changes in the plan based on distancetraversed. Based on the punch plan, the distance between levees areknown. That is, as the trailer (and system 400) traverses a levee in aflood irrigated rice field, the electronic processor 404 moves to thenext levee punch label in the file. For furrow irrigation, the rotaryencoder is used to change between punch labels. For example, if there is453 feet of ½ inch holes, then after 453 feet the electronic processor404 moves to the next hole label in the plan. The GPS 432 can also beused to determine the travel distance and provide a trigger to changebetween punch labels in both levee/flood applications and furrowapplications.

The system 400 (and printer 436) would be movable between a trailer forMIRI rice but would be relocated for furrow application on pipeinstallation toolbars pulled by tractors. In both applications thesystem 400 (and/or printer 436) could be powered by either theelectrical system of the vehicle or by solar and battery energy. A solarand battery energy option would be preferred for a permanent MIRItrailer application. A vehicle powered option would be preferred for atractor mounted application.

With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, in some embodiments the printer 436is coupled to an existing, commercial toolbar 440 pulled by a tractor.The printer 436 includes multiple (e.g., two, three, etc.) rollers 444that support lay-flat pipe 448 so that an ink jet printer module 452(illustrated schematically in FIG. 20) that is mounted between therollers 444 can ink the punch plan at that location onto the pipe 448.In the illustrated embodiment, three galvanized rollers 444 direct thepipe 448 down under a frame of the toolbar 440. As illustrated in FIGS.19 and 20, the printer 436 may include a linkage body 456 that supportsthe rollers 444 and is releasably coupled to the toolbar 440 withfasteners 460. As noted above, the printer 436 uses a solvent ink thatetches into the pipe 448, and can print on demand. In some embodimentsthe printer module 452 is protected by a door (e.g., a pivoting door,not shown). The door may rotate so that the user can install the printermodule 452, as well as a power and communication cable. The door maythen rotate back so that the door protects the cables from being rubbedby the pipe 448. In the illustrated embodiment the rolls of pipe 448 maybe heavy (e.g., 150 lbs). The components of the printer 436 remainspaced from the rolls of pipe 448 such that the printer 436 does notinterfere with the loading of the rolls of pipe 448. In some embodimentsa GPS module is located under the linkage body 456 so that the printermodule 452 knows where it is and can print a proper hole size for thepipe location. In some embodiments a stepper motor or solenoid isprovided to move a small door over the printer module 452, or to movethe printer module 452 itself so that a print head is not exposed toair, thus inhibiting or preventing drying of the ink. As noted above, amobile app may be used with the printer 436. The mobile app may read ina hole size for different pipe segments from a computerized holeselection plan, or the user may enter the plan manually from the mobileapp. The mobile app then uses the GPS location and distance data toprint the hole size as the pipe 448 is laid out in the field. In someembodiments the GPS data may be used to set the print speed on theprinter 436, and the user may enter the distance between prints on thepipe 448.

FIGS. 21-34 illustrate a pipe-laying trailer 510 according to anotherembodiment of the invention. The trailer 510 is generally the same asthe trailer 210 of the third embodiment described above. Therefore,equivalent parts of the trailer 210 will be numbered the same, plus 300.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the trailer 510 includes a first axle housing568 and a second axle housing 606 that is separated from the first axlehousing 568. At least one first support post 578 extends from the firstaxle housing 606, and at least one second support post 580 extends fromthe second axle housing 606. The first support post 578 supports aspindle 576. A roll of lay-flat pipe 516 is disposed about the spindle576. The second support post 580 supports a shield 584, as well as atleast a portion of the printer 436 and the system 400 described above.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21-23, in the illustrated embodiment the system400 includes an electronics housing 588 coupled (e.g., mounted) to anupper support member 546. The electronics housing 588 includes a hingedcover 590. With reference to FIG. 23, when the cover 590 is open, aplurality of system electronics are exposed, including the GPS 432described above, as well as a power supply 594, an RS485/printer com.598, a Bluetooth® module 602, and a test print button 606. Otherembodiments include different electronics than that illustrated.

With reference to FIGS. 24-28, the ink jet printer module 452 is mounteddirectly below the shield 584 on a frame portion 610, such that the inkjet printer module 452 is shielded from damage and from the outsideenvironment. The ink jet printer module 452 is also positioned generallyadjacent the rollers 444, although other embodiments include differentlocations for the ink jet printer module 452. The ink jet printer module452 is coupled to the electronics housing 588 (e.g., via a wired cableconnection as illustrated, or wirelessly). As illustrated in FIG. 26, asthe lay-flat pipe 516 is printed, the rollers 444 keep the lay-flat pipe516 taut. In some embodiments the rollers 444 are adjustable, such thata distance between the rollers 444 (e.g., a height, a lateral distance,etc.) may be changed as desired. In some embodiments at least a portionof the printer 436 (e.g., a framing 438 supporting the rollers 444 asillustrated in FIG. 27) may be tilted to keep the lay-flat pipe 516 incontact with the rollers 444.

With reference to FIGS. 29 and 30, the trailer 510 includes a hitchassembly 524. In some embodiments at least a portion 612 of the hitchassembly 524 is configured to swivel to allow the vehicle (e.g.,all-terrain vehicle, tractor, etc.) and the trailer 510 to stayconnected without causing stress on the hitch of the vehicle. In someembodiments the hitch assembly 524 also, or alternatively, includes twobolts 614 or other structures that permit at least a first portion 618of the hitch assembly 524 to telescope relative to a second portion 622of the hitch assembly 524, and to thereby adjust to a size of thevehicle (some vehicle being higher or lower than others). In someembodiments, adjustment is made so that the rear axle (i.e.,corresponding to the second axle housing 606) only contacts the groundupon hitting a backside of a levee.

With reference to FIGS. 31-33, the trailer 510 includes a furrowassembly 600 having a plow 626. The plow 626 is sized and shaped to cutthrough soil and create a furrow in a field. The lay-flat pipe 516 isthen laid within the furrow. The plow 626 includes an elongate arm 630having a first plurality of openings 634. The trailer 510 includes aframe member 638 having a second plurality of openings 642. At least onepin 646 or other structure is provided to extend through at least one ofthe first plurality of openings 634 and/or one of the second pluralityof openings 642 to lock a position the plow 626 (e.g., to lock a depth).In the illustrated embodiment, two pins 646 are provided (FIG. 33).Other embodiments include plows 626 having shapes and sizes other thanthat illustrated, as well as different structures by which to adjust aposition of the plow 626. Additionally, while the furrow assembly 600 isillustrated as being positioned generally at the first axle housing 568,in other embodiments the plow 626 may be positioned at other locations(e.g., slightly forward or rearward of the first axle housing 568).

FIG. 31 illustrates the plow 626 in a travel position, when the plow 626is not being used to install the lay-flat pipe 516. As noted above, adepth of the plow 626 may be adjusted by selecting a particularcombination of the first and second plurality of openings 634, 642. Whenthe plow 626 is not needed, the plow 626 may be raised and the pins 646inserted. When the plow 626 is needed, one or more of the pins 646 maybe removed and/or reinserted into a different opening 634, 642. FIG. 32illustrates the plow 626 in a down position, when the plow 626 is beingused to install the lay-flat pip 516.

With reference to FIG. 34, and as described above, the roll of pipe 516is disposed about the spindle 576. In the illustrated embodiment, a pin556 is coupled to the support post 578. The pin 556 retains the spindle576. In other embodiments a spring-loaded hooked-shaped latch is used inplace of the pin 556. Other embodiments include other structures toretain the spindle 576.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A trailer for laying a roll of pipe in a field,the trailer comprising: a hitch assembly positioned at a first end ofthe trailer, wherein the hitch assembly couples the trailer to avehicle; a distribution assembly connected to a second end of thetrailer, the distribution assembly including a spindle to support theroll of pipe; a gooseneck frame including a first end connected to thehitch assembly, a second end connected to the distribution assembly, anda member between the first end of the gooseneck frame and the second endof the gooseneck frame, wherein the member is elevated relative to thehitch assembly; and a punch plan system and printer supported by thetrailer.
 2. The trailer according to claim 1, the trailer furthercomprising a first set of wheels coupled to the second end of thetrailer.
 3. The trailer according to claim 2, the trailer furthercomprising a second set of wheels coupled to the second end of thetrailer and spaced from the first set of wheels, and a furrow assemblypositioned between the first set of wheels and the second set of wheels,wherein the furrow assembly is configured to form a furrow in the fieldto receive the pipe.
 4. The trailer according to claim 3, wherein thefirst set of wheels are positioned lower than the second set of wheels.5. The trailer according to claim 3, further comprising a first axlesupporting the first set of wheels and a second axle supporting thesecond set of wheels, and wherein the first axle is lower to the groundthan the second axle.
 6. The trailer according to claim 2, wherein thedistribution assembly includes a first arm and a second arm that extendupwardly from the gooseneck frame, wherein the first arm and the secondarm configured to the support the spindle.
 7. The trailer according toclaim 1, wherein the hitch assembly includes a round bar for coupling toa U-shaped hitch.
 8. The trailer according to claim 1, wherein the hitchassembly provides for about 140 degrees of movement relative to ahorizontal plane running through the hitch assembly.
 9. The traileraccording to claim 1, wherein the hitch assembly pivots about 70 degreesand about −70 degrees relative to a horizontal plane running through thehitch assembly.
 10. The trailer according to claim 1, wherein theprinter prints a punch plan on the pipe.
 11. A printed punch plan systemcomprising: an electronic processor configured to receive a computerizedhole selection plan; a printer; and a global positioning system coupledto the printer to locate the printer relative to a field, the printer incommunication with the electronic processor and configured to receiveinstructions for printing information on lay flat pipe based on thecomputerized hole selection plan and where the printer is located. 12.The printed punch plan system of claim 11, further comprising a memoryand a software program stored in the memory, wherein the softwareprogram is configured to be accessed to execute instructions related togenerating the computerized hole selection plan.
 13. The printed punchplan system of claim 11, further comprising a user interface having atouchscreen and a graphical user interface displayed on the touchscreenthat includes selectable menus, selectable icons, and areas to receiveinputs relating to parameters of the computerized hole selection plan.14. The printed punch plan system of claim 11, further comprising atransceiver, wherein the system is configured to connect to andcommunicate with a network through the transceiver, wherein the networkincludes a wide area network.
 15. The printed punch plan system of claim11, further comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a user device,wherein the memory is communicatively coupled to the transceiver forfurther communication with the user device.
 16. The printed punch plansystem of claim 15, wherein the user device is a handheld device. 17.The printed punch plan system of claim 11, wherein the globalpositioning system is configured to update a location data of theprinter at a predetermined frequency.
 18. The printed punch plan systemof claim 11, wherein the printer includes two rollers that support thelay flat pipe, and an ink jet printer module mounted between the rollersconfigured to ink the computerized hole selection plan.
 19. The printedpunch plan system of claim 11, wherein the global positioning system isconfigured to provide location data of the printer that includes GPScoordinates of the printer and a speed of movement of the printer, andwherein the global positioning system is configured to update thelocation data at a predetermined frequency.